Symphonic Encounters
The VSO’s open rehearsal program, Symphonic Encounters, takes students, teachers, and community groups behind the scenes to discover what it takes for the musicians, conductors, and production team of the Vancouver Symphony to prepare for a world class concert.
In addition to the rehearsal, opportunities to Meet a Musician or take an Orpheum Tour may be offered depending on safety guidelines. Ticket holders will be notified of these opportunities in advance of the rehearsal date.
Meet a Musician: During the break, VSO musician will be available to answer any questions students may have about a career in music or the rehearsal process.
Orpheum Tour: A 40-minute tour of the Orpheum Theatre is available as an alternative to sitting in on the second half of the rehearsal. Space is limited, so advance booking is required.
Please note that the suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults.
Safety Measures: We all know this is a dynamic situation. The VSO is working closely with Vancouver Civic Theatres, ActSafe BC, and the Provincial Health Office to ensure the most current safety procedures are in place for each performance. Detailed procedures will be communicated with you in advance of each rehearsal. For FAQ’s about Safety Measures and Vaccination, please see below FAQ’s.
2021-2022 Rehearsal Dates
Rachmaninoff & Strauss
NOVEMBER 5, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Discover the music of two giants of the late-Romantic period with Maestro Tausk and piano phenom Stewart Goodyear, including Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Order Now
A Dee Daniels Christmas (Pops)
DECEMBER 10, 11:00AM-2:00PM
Vancouver jazz diva Dee Daniels enchants us with the magical music of Christmas.
Order Now
Chooi Plays Mendelssohn
FEBRUARY 25, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Internationally acclaimed violinist Nikki Chooi makes his VSO debut. Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, and a new VSO co-commission by Linda Catlin Smith are paired with BC-born Chooi’s performance of Mendelssohn’s exciting Violin Concerto in E minor.
Order Now
An Ode To Joy: Beethoven’s 9th
APRIL 29, 10:00AM-12:30PM
The Masterwork of the Season! Beethoven’s magnum opus under the baton of VSO Maestro Otto Tausk. Plus, local treasure pianist Angela Cheng (repertoire TBD) and a new VSO co-commission from Canadian composer Samy Moussa.
Order Now
Season Finale: Mahler’s 5th Symphony
MAY 27, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Maestro Tausk conducts Mahler’s epic 5th symphony. A gorgeous meditation from English composer Anna Clyne sets the stage for Mahler’s magnificent vision.
Order Now
All attendees (Kindergarten and up) must wear a mask when entering and attending a VSO concert or open rehearsal.
We will book no more than 50% of available seats per event, spread throughout the hall, with spacing between groups. (Symphonic Encounters is capped at 400). Vancouver Civic Theatres has increased cleaning protocols at the Orpheum Theatre to include sanitizing all touchpoints before a performance. Hand sanitizer will be available at entrances and in lobby spaces.
There are several ways to register for a Symphonic Encounters open rehearsal:
Order online (credit card only)
Download the order form and mail (credit card or cheque payment)
Complete the order form (mailed to schools in September) and mail it with your deposit or full payment
Mailing address: Education, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, 500-833 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0G4
Telephone reservations will not be accepted.
We cannot guarantee that all of the listed repertoire will be rehearsed during the open rehearsal.
All rehearsals are held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Please use the Smithe Street entrance of the building upon arrival.
Approximately 2.5 hours. There are usually two pieces rehearsed per session, each one for about 1 hour with a 20-minute break in the middle.
All seating is in the balcony of the Orpheum Theatre and is assigned on a FIRST PAID IN FULL – BEST SEATING basis. Sending a deposit will hold the date for you and we will assign your seats upon receiving your complete payment.
Sorry, no cameras, video or tape recorders are permitted in the hall.
Elementary and Secondary-School Students are not required to show proof of vaccination for the school programs Elementary School Concerts, Symphonic Encounters and Connects Open Rehearsals.
All adults must present proof of vaccination along with their government-issued photo ID. Both Digital and Paper copies of the BC Vaccine Card are accepted. To receive a copy of your BC Vaccine Card or for more information about proof of vaccination please click here.
All tickets are $10.00 for education & community groups. For all other pricing please contact education@vancouversymphony.ca.
The ArtStarts Cherniavsky’s Mr. Music Fund offers grants to schools to assist in purchasing student tickets to classical music concerts and open rehearsals. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the final deadline is December 10, 2021. For more information, visit https://artstarts.com/cherniavsky
Symphonic Encounters is an open rehearsal series, which means that attendees quietly observe the orchestra preparing for a regular season concert. Our suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults. Please contact the Education Assistant if you require any further advice on this matter.
Program notes are available online three weeks in advance of each rehearsal date. There are no programs available on the day of the rehearsal.
Doors open 30 minutes before the listed rehearsal time and we request that everyone be seated inside the auditorium 10 minutes before the rehearsal begins. Late comers will not be seated until an appropriate break in the rehearsal.
Full payment is required no later than 2 weeks before the rehearsal. You have the option of paying in full at the time of your registration or sending a non-refundable deposit to hold your preferred date with the balance to arrive 2 weeks prior to the rehearsal.
We have a No Questions Asked refund policy in place this season. Cancellations received at least 2 weeks prior to performances are fully refundable. Unless ordered by public health, cancellations received within 2 weeks of the performance are subject to a 10% fee. Should restrictions limit attendance, we will do our best to find comparable dates and seats or transfer your tickets to the 22/23 season.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Vancouver Symphony’s Education Department at 604.684.9100 or contact us by email at education@vancouversymphony.ca.
